PX2135: Electronic Instrumentation
School | Cardiff School of Physics & Astronomy |
Department Code | PHYSX |
Module Code | PX2135 |
External Subject Code | 100165 |
Number of Credits | 10 |
Level | L5 |
Language of Delivery | English |
Module Leader | Dr David Westwood |
Semester | Autumn Semester |
Academic Year | 2014/5 |
Outline Description of Module
- To introduce students to the electronics employed in scientific instrumentation.
- To provide a progressive approach to the subject starting with the manipulation of analogue signals using filters and amplifiers.
- To introduce the concepts of digital-signal processing and the conversion between analogue and digital signals.
- To introduce elements of digital communications by taking the example of the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
- Through selected case studies to gain knowledge of all the essential components of real scientific instruments.
On completion of the module a student should be able to
- Describe the operation and main features of discrete devices: resistors and capacitors, and semiconductor devices such as p-n diodes and transistors.
- Describe how analogue signals are filtered (using RC circuits), amplified (using operational amplifiers) and propagated through an electronic system (via signal bridging).
- Explain the main features of digital-signal handling (logic) and important select devices.
- Explain the operation of digital-to-analogue and analogue-to-digital converters (including that of particular types).
- Describe the main features of serial and parallel communication links and the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
- Explain what is meant by a transducer discussing its sensitivity, the design of associated circuitry and the performance of particular types.
- Describe in some detail the operation of the electronics in selected instruments.
- Describe the role of standards in achieving reliable scientific instruments.
How the module will be delivered
Lectures, demonstrations and examples 22 x 1 hr, marked exercises.
Skills that will be practised and developed
Problem solving. Experimental physics. Investigative skills. Mathematics. Analytical skills.
How the module will be assessed
Examination 80%. Coursework 20%. [Examination duration: 2 hours].
Assessment Breakdown
Type | % | Title | Duration(hrs) |
---|---|---|---|
Exam - Autumn Semester | 80 | Electronic Instrumentation | 2 |
Written Assessment | 20 | Electronic Instrumentation | N/A |
Syllabus content
Introduction to scientific instrumentation: overview of the principal components and their functions.
Basic concepts: circuits, signal waveforms and noise. Signal propagation though a circuit and the concept of signal bridging.
RC circuits: capacitor and resistor coupling; high, low and band-pass filters.
Semiconductor devices: Introduction to conduction in semiconductor materials. Semiconductor devices: the p-n junction, bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field effect transistor (FETs).
Signal processing: Analogue-signal processing: a treatment based on use of the operational amplifiers. Concepts of digital-signal processing.
Digital electronics: Examples and uses of digital circuitry: encoders and decoders; multiplexers and de-multiplexers; digital-to-analogue converters (DACs) and analogue-to-digital converters (ADCs). Serial and parallel communication links and of the Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Transducers: general principles and examples.
Case studies: Detailed case studies of two scientific instruments (instruments subject to change). Reliable scientific instruments.
Essential Reading and Resource List
Not applicable.
Background Reading and Resource List
Principles of Electronic Instrumentation, A J Diefenderfer.
Basic Electronics for Scientists, J J Brophy.
The Art of Electronics, Horowitz and Hill.